Swimming classes and lessons

Find swimming classes and lessons below.

There are many swimming classes and lessons in Canada. These are offered in camps, schools, and community centres, and provide many different types of programs.

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A swimming class can be a great way for your child to acquire and improve swimming skills and become more fit. It can also be great fun!

What classes are offered?

There are lots of different kinds of swimming programs and lessons to choose from. For instance, there are group and one-on-one lessons. And both of these lessons are offered for kids of different ages and levels.

Lower-level classes: Some swimming classes are offered for kids who are just starting out, or are still building their basic skills. For instance, there are classes for infants and toddlers (6 months to three years).

In these classes, your child will mostly learn to just get comfortable with the water. They’ll likely go in the water with an adult, such as you (their parent), their guardian, or the instructor. They’ll learn to kick, move around, blow bubbles, and dunk, while singing songs and doing hand motions.

Intermediate-level classes: Older kids, on the other hand, will start to go in the water by themselves. They’ll also start to learn basic strokes, such as the breaststroke, backstroke, and front crawl. And, they’ll learn to get in and out of the water by themselves. As they improve, they’ll begin to tread water and swim in the deep end by themselves.

Higher-level classes: Other swimming classes are offered for kids who are more advanced. Often, older children, aged 10 and up, will take these lessons. Sometimes teenagers and adults will take them as well. These swimming classes will build on certain skills.

For instance, kids will continue to work on their swimming strokes. They also may work on more challenging skills, such as diving. Many kids, at this stage, also get involved in competitive swimming. Here, they’ll race kids in swim meets, or face them in diving competitions.

What are the benefits of swimming classes?

Swimming programs and classes have lots of benefits for your child, whether they’re at a camp, school, or community centre. These benefits vary, in large part, based on the age and level of your child. They’ll also vary based on the type of class or lesson they’re taking.

At the lower levels, your child, most importantly, will learn basic swimming skills. In addition to making them safer, this can build their confidence and self-esteem.

At the higher levels, in addition to learning advanced skills, swimming lessons can build your child’s fitness level and endurance. They can also, like lower-level lessons, boost their confidence and self-esteem. And if they involve competitive swimming, your child may find them fun and exciting. Finally, your child may be able to obtain high certification in one of these classes. And, among other things, this may enable them to work as a lifeguard at pools and beaches across the country.